"Don't spit without chewing"

"Don't spit without chewing" is a phrase that has been around for generations, but its meaning is still relevant today. It means that before you act or speak, you should take a moment to consider your words or actions and their potential consequences.

In everyday life, we often see examples of people who spit without chewing. For instance, a friend of mine recently resigned from his job without even finding a new one because his manager asked him to work on weekends. Or consider a driver who cuts off another car on the road, causing a potential accident.

You may think it's just a problem with individuals but, there are large corporations that spit without chewing. One famous example is the United Airlines incident in 2017, in which a passenger was forcibly removed from a flight after refusing to give up his seat. The incident was captured on video and went viral, sparking outrage and damaging the airline's reputation. United's CEO initially defended the actions of the airline's staff, but eventually issued a public apology and promised to make changes to avoid similar incidents in the future.

Another example is the Wells Fargo scandal, in which the bank was found to have opened millions of fake accounts without customers' knowledge or consent. The scandal resulted in billions of dollars in fines and legal settlements and a significant blow to the bank's reputation.

These examples illustrate the importance of taking the time to consider the consequences of one's actions before taking them. In the case of United Airlines, a simple apology and a commitment to change could have avoided a major PR disaster. In the case of Wells Fargo, if the bank had taken the time to consider the ethical implications of its actions, it may have avoided a scandal that cost them billions of dollars.

One way is to practice mindfulness and self-reflection.

So, how can we avoid "spitting without chewing" in our own lives and in our work? One way is to practice mindfulness and self-reflection. Taking a few moments to reflect on our emotions and impulses before acting on them can help us make better decisions. In addition, we can cultivate empathy and consider how our actions might impact others by pausing for a moment before acting. Other tips could be reflecting on your intentions before you act, focusing on the issue or the person in front of you, and being practicing gratitude.

In the corporate world, companies can benefit from creating a culture of accountability and transparency. This means encouraging employees to speak up when they see something that doesn't feel right and taking swift action to correct any issues that arise. It also means being open and honest with customers and stakeholders, even when it is difficult or uncomfortable. This can be achieved only by weaving this culture into all processes and sensitizing people managers to encourage their teams to think on their own and giving them enough opportunities to express themselves.

Encourage employees to speak up !

"Don't spit without chewing" is a simple but powerful reminder of the importance of thoughtful, intentional action. By taking the time to consider our words and actions, we can avoid causing harm and build stronger relationships with others.

Whether in our personal lives or in the corporate world, this principle can help us make better decisions and create a more positive impact in the world.

Feel free to connect and share your thoughts on this #linkedinnewsletter I wrote by commenting on the post or through DMs. :)